To keep your e-mail secure, be aware of the following electronic threats:

• Requests for Unity ID or password
  These are "phishing" attempts and are always fraudulent.  Do not respond, but report them immediately to the NC State Help Desk. OIT personnel will never ask for your password for any reason.
• Attachments
  Viruses and similar electronic threats are e-mailed widely, most often as attachments. Don't open any attachment unless it came from someone you know and you are certain that it was actually sent by that person.
• Links inside messages
  Clicking on a link inside a malicious e-mail message can do one or more of the following:
  • Direct you to a Web site that entices you to enter personal information that can be exploited.
  • Download a program that
    • extracts sensitive information from your computer,
    • records every keystroke you make,
    • uses your machine as a "slave" to send virus-infected e-mail, or
    • monopolizes your processing power.
• Malicious scripts
  If a malicious script is embedded in an e-mail message, merely opening that message can compromise your computer. The script will be activated even though you don't click on a link or open an attachment.

For additional information, see:

• NC State Antivirus Resources
• Spam
• Safe Computing at NC State